[Fin] Autumn Blooms (Ujana/Ariya)

[Painted Moose]

The hardest part of making her way to Aisha's side, as an earthling, was beyond intimidating.

Ujana took it all in stride. From day one she'd walked with her head held high, took the speculative looks tossed their way with a grain of salt, and genuinely tried to keep a positive outlook on things. Her son was forced to stay in Jauhar for the time being, and while being away from him during such a big moment was bothersome, Ujana knew the end result would be worth it.

A child, all their own...if Aisha saw fit to give them one.

She stayed close to Ariya; not out of fear, but commodore. They were here together as a couple to ask for the greatest gift a tree - a goddess could give them, and she'd wanted to make a good impression. It was something she'd tried to keep up in the following days, the proceeding weeks, and even now, a two months after taking her first boat ride to Ekene's shores Ujana was trying to stand tall.

And yet...now that such a long period of time had passed, she was starting to worry.

The elders would greet them, as usual, and escort them to the Great Tree Aisha, and maybe, just maybe, for once they would have some kind of news. The alkidike who rowed for them was careful not to look at them, but Ujana didn't mind; the lack of conversation helped her to think. Was it her? Maybe Aisha just didn't think the world was ready for more hybrids? Or was this the alkidike version of fertility issues? She knew they'd only been trying for a short time but Ujana was anxious.

Heras Box

 

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

Ariya felt nervous all over again as they crossed the waters to make it to the Isle that Aisha lived on. Would there be good news or bad? Could she really ask Ujana to continue to try and stay away from their kids for even longer? When the chubby Alk turned her attention to her lover she smiled. It was a genuine smile. The woman really did make her happy. So she reached out and wrapped her arms around Ujana in a hug. "This time for sure, Love. Aisha wouldn't ignore us." It could just be that the Mother Tree was exhausted from producing a new Mystic. Granted that had been some years ago but even so Ariya was sure that it must have taken a great deal of effort.

She didn't want to say that if there were no blooms waiting for them that she wanted to return home. It would seem as though she were giving up. Which she was not! Ariya simply missed her children and if she did then she knew her girlfriend did as well.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

It was impossible to miss the not so subtle snort given by their rower as the two embraced. Out of pure spite Ujana got as close as she could to her lover, closing her eyes while she relished in the contact, but opening one just enough to look at the rowing alkidike's expression. She had a pert little frown, but it was turned, as if she were trying not to let them see, and the whole thing was just too amusing for Ujana not to loosen up a little.

She didn't like being a worrier; it was too much work. If things worked out in their favor then they did and if not....then they would figure out that when they got there. When she saw that their little boat was pulling closer and closer to the island Ujana felt a little keldari coiling up inside of her stomach. She didn't want to worry, it wasn't in her to do it, but what else could she do in a situation like this? With Eurig her actions had brought him around, but now everything was in the hands of a goddess who may or may not even like them, or rather, her. Aisha had already blessed Ariya once, so maybe...

...and now she was tense again.

Ujana pulled away just enough to sit up on her own.

"I hope not," she murmured, watching as the shore line came closer and closer. She could make out a figure in the sand, and Ujana lifted herself up just enough to get a better look. "Hey, doesn't she look a little shorter than elder Masi-"

"Elder Masi won't be seeing you today. Elder Yara will instead." It was the first time Ujana had ever heard the rower speak, and as such, was enough to spook her.

Ujana furrowed her brows, and turned to Ariya as she sat down. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing? "  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

The snort that came from the sister that rowed the boat was met with a firm glare from Ariya. Though she did make sure Ujana didn't notice. She might not have her spear with her at the moment but that didn't mean she wouldn't hurt the other Alk if she said or did anything to Ujana.

When her other half moved away from her she blinked and looked down at her. "I am sure it will be fine." Though she could tell that there would be no convincing her lover of that until this whole trip was over.

As it was mentioned that the woman waiting for them was not who they normally saw Ariya simply shrugged. Reaching out a hand she patted Ujana's leg. "It could be that Elder Masi had to tend to something else, it's not a bad thing." After all, she could remember that there had been more than a few Elders that she had seen before. "Take a deep breath Ujana." Her voice was now laced with concern.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

[3/10]

"It's not a good thing either. She's been here every other time; why wouldn't she be here now?" She could feel the tips of her ears flicker into her hairline. Ujana turned a sharp look to Ariya, as if the concept of 'deep breathing' were something foreign and completely out of the question for the moment.

The rower rose up, the slipped out into the shallow water, pulling the stern as far onto shore as she could. Not that it mattered much; as soon as Ujana was certain that it was stable enough for her to move, she did so, pulling herself off the edge into shallow water where Yara came to meet them.

There was something so innately charming about the island that was both mystical to her, and also daunting. As if the earth itself were saying 'yes, I am quite lovely earthling, please look at me from afar; not so close now, this isn't for you'. Ujana took a steadying breath, and reached back, offering her hand to Ariya to help her get out.

She wasn't even aware that Yara had moved closer until the older woman spoke, "I was hoping you would be coming today. There is much we have to discuss."  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

Ariya shook her head a little and chuckled at her partner. She was even more nervous that Ariya was. It was a cute side to see of Ujana.

When the other Alk got out of the boat she didn't pay any attention but when her lover got out she arched a brow. Impatient and nervous apparently. Before Ujana could turn to help her out of the boat she was up and over the side, making a splash landing beside her girlfriend. "You know a deep breath really wouldn't hurt." Ariya scooped he smaller woman up into her arms and carried her the rest of the way to dry land, though Ujana had already gotten her feet wet.

She smiled at the elder before speaking. "I hope Elder Masi is in good health." That was the only bad thing she could think of that would prevent the woman from greeting them. "What is it that you need to speak to us about?" Ariya set Ujana down as she spoke the last bit but took her hand in hers to make certain no one bothered her. The chubby alk also hoped it helped her temptress to relax a little.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

[4/10]

"Just because you say it, doesn't mean I'm going to - !" Ujana inhaled quickly as she was lifted. It was completely unnecessary, and probably didn't help her to look like anything less than a the small earthling she was to them. She knew Ariya was trying to help, but in this case it only served to put a scrunched up frown on her face.

"She is well. She just asked that I take her place today." The elder seemed pleasant enough, but Ujana wasn't so sure. When Ariya set her back down her eyes never went away from the elder. What kind of news did she have that elder Masi wouldn't want to be around for?

"Is something wrong?" Ujana was straight to the point. At first she had tried to be as respectful as possible to the elders, more so because of their location than anything else, but now she needed answers.

"You should see for yourselves." Elder Yara's voice was calm, but impassive. The sort of tone Ujana expected could be used for celebrations and funerals alike. She laced her fingers with Ariya's and moved to follow the elderly woman, trailing her through the trees without saying a word. This was maddening. She could no longer focus on the beauty of Chibale, not when her mind was so wrapped up in this.

And yet...when she saw Aisha she stilled. There was something beyond impressive about the giant tree. Something that made her a little calmer, and a little more aware of her actions. Maybe it was the presence of so many alkidike, or the goddess herself; who could say?

Elder Yara motioned them forward, "Sister Ariya, what do you see?"  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

A small smirk was thrown Ujana's way. At least she'd gotten the woman to breathe. As Yara explained that Masi was well the chubby alk nodded her head. Once they started walking she gave her attention to her partner but noticed how she seemed unable to enjoy the beauty of the island. It made Ariya frown a little. She was going to ask if everything was alright when she heard the Elder speak to her directly.

Ariya had been so preoccupied with trying to make sure Ujana was relaxed that she hadn't payed attention to where they were. Of course she knew where they were. In the shadow of Aisha. However, she didn't think her Mother Tree would mind so much that she was distracted with her beautiful other half. So when she moved her head so that she was facing forward she cleared her throat and raised her eyebrows in a questioning manner. Though her black eyes moved away from Yara to the blooms. It wasn't such a different sight from the last time she'd seen it. All the beautiful buds waiting to bloom. The daughters inside waiting to be released by their Goddess and placed into the loving arms of her mothers.

"I see beautiful flowers waiting to bloo--" Ariya was cut short when she sucked in a breath. There, just behind a small gathering of three normally colored buds she could see them... the slightly green tinted ones. ONES. As it more than one! Aisha had given them two! Her eyes grew wide and she looked at the Elder. "Those... a-are those... ?" Ariya had to admit she was slightly afraid to ask it aloud in case her assumption was wrong and those were not meant for her and Ujana.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

Ujana wasn't sure what the elder wanted Ariya to look at. She licked her lower lip, craning and turning her head this way and that to see something out of the ordinary. Could it mean....? Ujana didn't want to get her hopes up in case her growing supision wasn't true, but why else would the elder want her to look if there wasn't any-?

"Aisha has blessed the two of you with a bloom; two, in fact. A perfect pair. Congratulations."

The elder pointed to the pair that Ariya had discovered, illuminating them for Ujana as well. Her smile was a lot softer than Ujana's whooping cry of excitement. She screamed and threw her arms around Ariya's neck, clinging to the alkidike as she shook her. "Twins! Ariya, we're having twins!" All of her fears about being turned away were swept far from her mind. Aisha hadn't only heard their prayers; she'd doubled them! She could have kissed the big, beautiful tree if she wasn't so sure she'd be smacked away.

It was still so strange knowing that her babies were in those blooms, but Ujana had faith they would be safe.  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

If her antennae could have stood up straight they would have. With Ujana throwing her arms around her Ariya looped hers around the earthling's waist and lifted her off the ground. Spinning around she grinned and kissed her Lover's face all over before setting her down. "Subira's bloom had been just like the others so it was harder to tell she was mine but those.. Ujana, those are ours." There was no mistaking that!

She gave her attention to Yara then and bowed her head as a thank you. "Elder Yara, thank you, sister. Thank you for showing us the good news."

Her eyes went back to the blooms that were gifts from Aisha she couldn't help the prideful look she gave. Ariya had to admit she was damned proud of those green tinted flowers.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

[6/10]

The possibility of twins had never once occurred to Ujana. Of course she knew it happened, it had happened within her own family, thanks to Aisha, but she would have been just as thrilled with one baby. She'd saved back some of the things she had with Eurig, but not nearly enough! But who cared? She'd blow her entire savings if she had to!

When Ariya spun her around she whooped, holler and kicked her legs out, utterly uncontrollable in her excitement. Even when she was put down Ujana was fist pumping the air like the proud mom she was. "Hell yea they are! They're the cutest ones here-!"

Elder Yara cleared her throat, and smiled. "I understand your excitement, but please, be mindful of where you're at. Some come to Aisha for prayer."

"Oh yeah, sorry 'bout that." It would be hard to contain herself, but Ujana would try. She knew that the vast majority of alk still didn't like earthlings near Aisha, even if they were tolerant of others, and drawing attention to herself like that couldn't have been making things easy. But still, she couldn't contain herself.

Instead of getting verbally excited again, Ujana stepped closer to Ariya and slipped an arm around her waist, leaning up against her lover as she looked on at their blooms. "Subira and Eurig are going to flip."  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

There was a small burst of laughter as Ujana was scolded for being so loud. Ariya didn't mind the noise. Though she grinned silently afterward. When her partner mentioned their other kids and their reaction to the news she nodded emphatically. "Subira will love that there are twins to spoil." She wasn't so sure about Eurig. Ariya really hoped that he didn't think he was being replaced as the youngest.

Besides, there was no replacing that Eurig was her son. He'd have little sisters to play with soon! And to protect! "Think Eurig will enjoy being a big brother?" At least for a little while. When the girls get older they will likely be taller than him as well. The thought made her chuckle. That boy would always be her little baby.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

[7/10]

"He doesn't really have a choice," She smirked. Admittedly she worried about how her son would take it, but he'd never really acted as if he wouldn't like being a brother. They'd never really hid the fact that they wanted more kids from him or Subira, so surely that wasn't enough to help him adjust? He was quickly being shifted from the youngest to middle child status, so maybe she would try to do something special with him when she went one. A little one on one time.

"It might be a little hard for him at first, but I think he'll be a good brother. He's tougher than he looks, and he's strong; perfect for packing around twins." At least, that's what she assumed brothers did. She'd only ever had her sister and there was no way Padma could carry her, though Ujana wasn't opposed to putting that to a test.

"Who do you think they'll look like more?"  

[Heras Box]

Painted Moose

Ariya nodded her head. Eurig would do well as a big brother. Subira loved being a big sister, so adding more to that wouldn't bother her. "Can you just see the kids trying to keep track of the twins?" A laugh came forth and she looked down at Ujana affectionately. "I hope your customers are ready to be terrorized.." After all, Ariya knew that the babes would sneak in just to see their mother.

When asked who she thought the twins would look like she gave a sassy grin. "Me of course!" After saying so she made to move away from her leafling mate in case a smack was in coming.  

[Painted Moose]

Heras Box

[8/10]

She wanted to touch them, but Ujana respectfully kept her distance. Right now they were being tended to by experts and soon enough she would have her hands full. What would her father say, when he found out? Would she even be able to contact him while he traveled? And Padma? Ujana knew her sister would support them fully, and would no doubt love the twins, but seeing as she hadn't told her family about trying it may come as a shock.

That kind of made it all the more worth it not to tell them. She liked giving her father mini-panic attacks. It was fun to see him shaken up.

"Maybe they'll be like Padma and I. She's a lot calmer than I was, so my folks just had one hellion to chase. My luck all that runnin' I put them through will come back on me two fold." Eurig was such a calm boy that she wondered if all the 'calmness' she'd been capable of giving to children had been sucked out by him. Not that she'd mind; she was tough enough to handle anything, and if that meant two little brats, then she'd love 'em all the same.

She rolled her eyes at Ariya's antics and snorted. "Half like you, but the other half, the cool half, is all me." she gestured vaguely to herself and grinned.